Even before my little man was born I knew that I wanted to make his baby food. Or at least attempt it. I really liked the idea of knowing exactly what he was eating and it is a much cheaper option. Most recently I have made sweet potatoes and green beans. It is so easy and just takes a little bit of time and you can make so much food.
I bought 2 small sweet potatoes (I didn't want to cook too many if Noah wasn't a fan) for $2.60, which made me 18 servings. I also bought 2 lbs of green beans for $4.00, which made me around 36 servings. As you can see a little goes a long way when it comes to the veggies. If I would have paid the same amount for store bought food, I would not have got nearly the same amount.
To make the sweet potatoes, I just peeled them, chopped them up, and boiled them until tender. Next, I drained them and let them cool for a few minutes. After cooling I placed them into the food processor and blended them, adding water to help blend them, until I was happy with the consistency.
Next I put scooped them into a gallon sized plastic baggie. I cut one of the bottom tips off of the bag and used it like an icing bag. I just filled each compartment of the ice-cube tray to the amount I wanted and moved to the next. I find that it's the easiest and quickest way to fill up the trays. When I try using a spoon, I end of with a huge mess.
Once I filled the tray with the sweet potatoes, I place them in the freezer. After they were completely frozen, I put them into labeled gallon freezer bags. They will keep for approximately three months in the freezer.
To make the green beans, rinsed them, cut off the ends, and boiled until tender. Once I thought that they were ready, I drained them and let them cool for a few minutes. After cooling I placed them into the food processor and blended them, adding water to help blend them, until I was happy with the consistency.
I did the same thing with these as I did the sweet potatoes. I placed them in the gallon plastic bag to make it easier to put them in the ice-cube trays.
Once the trays were filled, I place them in the freezer. After they were completely frozen, I put them into labeled gallon freezer bags. They will keep for approximately three months in the freezer.
When it comes time for Noah to eat, I just take out my desired number of cubes and pop them into the microwave for about 20 seconds or until they are warm (always test the temperature before feeding them to your little one). And if your little one is anything like mine, they will have the food all over them before you are done. Noah is notorious for ending up with food up his nose ... don't ask :)
You should definitely give making your own baby food a try. It's a really good feeling, knowing that you have prepared what your little one is eating and you know exactly whats in it. Plus it's a lot easier on your wallet when you go to get their food.
Make sure if you are making your own baby food to let us know what you're trying and how it's going for you. We'd love to hear. xo, Britt
